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Lawmakers consider adding grizzlies to license plate options

JUNEAU, Alaska — The House State Affairs Committee Thursday moved a bill adding the grizzly bear to the list of options people can choose for an Alaska license plate.

House Bill 293, sponsored by Republican Rep. Peggy Wilson of Wrangell, gives Alaska residents the option of having the bear on their license plates. The bill calls for a repeat of the bear design used on the 1976 Alaska vehicle tag.

Rep. Wes Keller of Wasilla said Alaska vehicle plates are seen as a symbol of state pride and promote the state when vehicles are driven in other parts of the country.

The bill also grants specialty plates for current and retired Alaska firefighters who have given five years of service.